How Does God Get The Money That I Give To Him?
Answer: When people say that they are giving money to God, they mean that they are giving it to the church, to a missionary, to the poor, or to other people in service to God.
In other words, they give money to people in obedience to God or in God’s name. And they are giving it for a specific purpose: to help God’s people.
You don’t give money directly to God. He doesn’t reach down with a hand and take it from you or from a special spot where you put it.
Instead, you give money to people in God’s name and for God’s work.
This is exactly the way God wants it. We show our love for God by loving others (1 John 2:9-11; 4:20-21).
Key verses: Then these righteous ones will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?
Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?
” And the King will tell them, “I assure you when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Matthew 25:37-40)
Related verses: Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 John 2:9-11
Related questions: Sometimes it seems like God doesn’t provide for the poor people. Why? Is it because we are supposed to help them?
Note to parents: Take a question like this as an opportunity to explain the different ways giving supports God’s work-through church, through other ministries, and in other countries.
Do We Have To Give Money To Poor People?
Answer: Christians have the responsibility to help people who have needs, including poor people.
One reason for this is that God cares about people in need, and we should all try to be like God.
You can help the poor in many ways. For example, you can give food to a community food pantry or soup kitchen, serve meals at a rescue mission, give money to programs that help poor children, or give money to organizations that help the poor.
Remember, everything you have came from God’s goodness and kindness to you. He wants you to treat others the way he treats you.
Key verse: If any of your Israelite relatives fall into poverty and cannot support themselves, support them as you would a resident foreigner and allow them to live with you. (Leviticus 25:35)
Related verses: Leviticus 25:35-38; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Psalm 82:3; Proverbs 14:20-21; 22:9; 31:8-9; Ezekiel 18:7-8, 12-13, 16-17; Luke 12:33-34; Acts 20:33- 35; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:12
Related question: Should we give poor people money because it’s nice?
Note to parents: This can be a difficult issue for kids because they lack the discernment to judge the merits of every giving opportunity.
Fear of strangers, a sense of fairness, and knowledge that Christians should give all point them in different directions.
Try to do some charitable giving as a family so you can provide guided practice.